Brett Phillips Signs With American Association’s Cleburne Railroaders

Former big leaguer Brett Phillips signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the independent American Association yesterday. The league announced him as a right-handed pitcher, so Phillips is continuing the attempt he began last summer.

The 30-year-old Phillips played in the majors as a depth outfielder between 2017-23. He suited up for five teams and played a little more than half his games as a member of the Rays. Phillips is an elite athlete and plus defensive outfielder, but he never reliably made contact. He hit .187/.272/.347 in just under 1000 big league plate appearances. Phillips made five appearances as a pitcher in blowouts. The results weren’t good, as he allowed nine runs with five walks and zero strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Phillips committed to a new career path with a full-time mound move last year. He reportedly is capable of running his fastball into the mid-90s. The Yankees were intrigued enough by the idea to sign him to a minor league contract last July, but he wasn’t ready for game action. Phillips only made one Low-A appearance.

He failed to retire any of five opponents. He allowed two hits, walked two more, and hit a batter. He uncorked two wild pitches. New York allowed him to become a minor league free agent at the end of the season. Phillips will continue the process in the independent ranks in an effort to pitch his way back to affiliated ball.